Blog

The new for 2024 Gazelle Eclipse models arrived in our shop earlier this year during our busiest season. So, on the coldest day of the year (so far), I took one for a test ride to see what I had been missing.

Gazelle Eclipse: Confident Comfort

The first visual impression of this bike is its mere presence. In deep Anthracite Grey, the 50cm step-over Gazelle Eclipse looks imposing. It has a large downtube that holds the fully integrated 750Wh battery and a squared off top tube. Mounting the bike, the commanding riding position is comfortable and gives the rider great visibility. The wide, supportive saddle and Ergon grips are well suited to much longer rides. In traffic, riders look over motor vehicles and keep pace in the city, passing most traffic. Rack integrated taillight and bright fork mounted headlight add to visibility and illumination.

Getting up to 25mph and maintaining it comes easily with the Performance Line Speed motor providing assistance. I made it across the hill in around 5 minutes, passing other traffic and pulling up to the post office at Eastern Market warm from the sprint in 30 degree temperatures. Locking up on Pennsylvania Ave., I used a new ABUS Bordo Big 6500K, set the Gazelle Eclipse’s integrated wheel lock, and removed the display.

Bosch Smart Technology

If I have wanted to explore some more, the Eclipse had nearly 90% of battery life left, which translates into around 44 miles in “Eco” mode, a light assistance level. Gazelle states that a fully charged 750Wh battery is capable of 100 miles range. This information was presented in a bright color display directly in the center of the handlebars. The Kiox 300 shows various customizable screens with riding data, navigation, and fitness app integration. This display essentially “locks” the bike when removed, adding another level of security.

Heading to the shop, the rough road surface of 6th St. NE was tamed by the suspension fork, wide 27.5″ tires. The powerful 4 piston Shimano brakes easily kept my speed under control.

Eclipse Ride Impressions

The Gazelle Eclipse C380+ is a premium e-bike for super-commuters, bike trekking enthusiasts, and high speed city errand running. The frame and suspension fork paired with the large capacity tires create a planted and safe ride feel. The 55 pound capacity of the rear rack is well suited for commutes or light touring. This bike has a refined appearance with a fully enclosed stem, and internally routed cables. Several upgraded touches, from the full color display to the hidden charge port, place this bike in another category. This is an everyday luxury vehicle.

Tested Bike

Gazelle Eclipse C380+ with Bosch SmartSystem: $5,999

Reflecting on your first childhoodbike, you might recall a heavy frame, coaster brakes, and gearing suited only for flat terrain. In recent years, companies like Woom have recognized that traditional children’s bikes often fail to meet the specific needs of young riders. Woom has addressed this by designing bikes that prioritize safety, comfort, and ergonomics for children.

Woom children’s bikes are packed with features that ensure safety and increase comfort for your smaller rider. Woom didn’t just scale down an adult bike, they designed the frame and components around every dimension where children are different.

Woom Advantages

• Lightweight frame and fork
• Lightweight, low spoke count wheels
• Ergonomically designed contact points (saddle, grips, pedals)
• Custom child-sized brake levers
• Steering limiters
• Adjustable stem (woom 4, 5, and 6)
• Simplified gearing

Quality Matters

The build quality of these bikes and durability mean that they will be passed along to the next rider when the first one graduates to the larger size. For years, we have seen these pass through the hands of multiple families in a neighborhood. Woom bikes also thrive on the secondary market with a healthy resale value.

Tern and Woom, Family Biking Stars

Many of our Tern families are Woom families as well. A not uncommon sight in the shop is a Woom 3 sticking out of a Cargo Hold bag after the smaller riding partner opted to take the last half ride on the back of a GSD. Woom bikes are designed to keep up with parents or bigger kids,  so kids can start learning safe riding practices early on. With low weight and appropriate gearing for longer rides, kids can experience independent riding at a much younger age.

With the rise in family biking in DC and beyond, Tern and Woom are natural partners. They both share a commitment to high quality, long lasting components, and rider centered design.